Grassroots Advocacy in Action
Michigan Farm Bureau’s Lansing Legislative Seminar provides an opportunity for members passionate about Farm Bureau policy and issues affecting agriculture to meet members with shared interests, concerns and goals.
Participants will help demonstrate to legislative and regulatory leaders the significance of our member-developed policy and strength of our county Farm Bureaus and learn from expert speakers about proposals being considered in Lansing that would impact Michigan farmers and the food and agriculture economy.
2022 AGENDA
9 a.m. | State Capitol Building Walking Tour
Departs the Lansing Center at 8:45 a.m.
9:30 a.m. | State Capitol Building Walking Tour
Departs the Lansing Center at 9:15 a.m.
Note: Tours do not require pre-registration. They are first come, first serve and capped at 40 individuals per tour.
10:15 a.m. | AgriPAC Fundraiser
Attend a fundraiser for AgriPac featuring a panel of Michigan election experts who will give insight into the 2022 election. Entry price is $40.00 or $100.00 for entry and a chance to win MSU vs. Purdue mens basketball tickets. Pre-registration is encouraged at https://bit.ly/AgriPac2022.
10-11 a.m. | Registration
11:30 a.m. | Lunch Program
- Remarks from MFB President Carl Bednarski
- Excellence in Grassroots Lobbying Award
- Silver Plow Award (if presented)
- Budget overview and opportunities for growth in rural communities.
2 p.m. | Issue Sessions (choose one)
State Economic outlook | Ernie Birchmeier & John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau | Rooms 101-102
Attend this session to explore Michigan’s economic forecasts, Governor Whitmer’s budget priorities, overlayed with a national lens for supply chain issues and how federal relief dollars translate into impact on agriculture.
Climate Initiatives | Ben Tirrell & Tess Van Gorder, Michigan Farm Bureau | Rooms 103-104
Climate change is becoming an increasingly important topic. Whether crisis or myth, policies intended to mitigate or adapt to changes in the Earth’s atmosphere will likely have major impacts on farms. Attend this session to gain a better understanding of how agriculture is connected to the global climate discussion and learn about policy being developed right here in Michigan through the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Local Government| Kam Washburn, Mike Fusilier & Allan Overhiser | Rooms 201-202
There are few better ways of ensuring agriculture’s priorities are considered in the regulatory and legislative realms than for farmers themselves to serve in government. To that end, Farm Bureau places great emphasis on preparing its members for and encouraging them to seek elected office at every level. Learn more about what that really looks like from a panel of farmers now serving in local government.
Idea exchange| Andrew Vermeesch & Emily Reinart | Rooms 203-205
A strong relationship between the county Farm Bureaus and their elected officials is a critical part of advancing Farm Bureau policy. In this session, members will hear from the county Farm Bureau leaders that have made efforts it took to enhance relationships at the local, state, and federal levels. In addition, members will have the opportunity to brainstorm with other members on how to create better connections with elected officials.
2:45 p.m. | Networking Break
3:15 p.m. | Issue Sessions Repeat (choose one -- see options above)
4:30 p.m. | Legislative Reception (Banquet Rooms 1-8)
Visit with state representatives, senators, and numerous other government leaders.
